Social Distortion Biography

Social Distortion (often known as Social D or SxDx) is a punk rock band that originally formed in 1978 by frontman Mike Ness. They (along with Minor Threat, Black Flag, Dead Kennedys, Bad Religion, and many others) are often credited as one of the leading bands of the 1980's Punk Revival.

The band has remained silent three times and once broke up in 1985, due to frontman Ness' drug addiction. However, they reformed around 1987 and have continued being active today, especially after longtime guitarist Dennis Danell passed away from brain aneurysm in 2000. Since their inception the band lineup has been a virtual revolving-door of talent, with many members coming and going; however, Ness has remained.

So far, Social Distortion released six full-length studio albums, one live and compilation album and two DVDs. Their last album, Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll, came out on September 28, 2004 and is their first release with current guitarist Jonny "2 Bags" Wickersham, the replacement of the late Danell. The band is also rumored to record and a release their seventh studio album sometime in 2007.

For full discography, see Social Distortion discography.

Social Distortion's main influence is mostly from a roots rock oriented direction, as well as from hardcore punk, psychedelic rock, blues, hard rock, modern rock, grunge and cowpunk. Though, they have never considered themselves a hardcore punk band. Bands that have influenced Social Distortion are: Johnny Cash, The Clash, KISS, Led Zeppelin, New York Dolls, Queen, Ramones, The Rolling Stones, Sex Pistols and Neil Young.

The band has been mentioned by many contemporary and later punk bands as an influence, including Alkaline Trio's Matt Skiba, ALL, Big Drill Car, blink-182, Chemical People, Dropkick Murphys, Face to Face, MxPx, Mike McCready of Pearl Jam, My Chemical Romance, No Use for a Name, The Offspring, Pennywise, Rancid, The Suicide Machines, Sum 41 and Thrice.